Name: Silky Peanut Butter Dressing
Yield: Makes about 3 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter; 1/4 cup fresh lime, orange, or lemon juice; 4 oz. silken or soft tofu; 1 Tbsp. soy sauce; 2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup, plus more for drizzling; 1 (2") piece ginger, peeled, finely grated; Kosher salt; 1/4 cup unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, hemp seeds, or chia seeds (for serving; optional)

Bowl of peanut butter dressing topped with sesame seeds and set on a platter with sliced apples peppers carrots and...

Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li

Adding silken tofu to the base of this dressing both enriches it with a little added protein and lends it a satiny texture. You can adjust the amount of water added to create something thicker and dippable for crudités or thinner and drizzly for tossing into salads.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients

1 cup creamy natural peanut butter

1/4 cup fresh lime, orange, or lemon juice

4 oz. silken or soft tofu

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup, plus more for drizzling

1 (2") piece ginger, peeled, finely grated

Kosher salt

1/4 cup unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, hemp seeds, or chia seeds (for serving; optional)

Preparation

Step 1
Combine peanut butter, lime juice, tofu, soy sauce, and 2 Tbsp. honey in a blender. Place ginger in a fine-mesh sieve and hold over blender. Press down on solids to extract as many juices as you can; discard solids. Blend on medium-high speed to combine. With motor running, add 1/4 cup hot water and blend until dressing is homogenous, lightened, and smooth. If desired, add more water by the tablespoonful until the dressing reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and season with kosher salt if needed.
Step 2
Arrange fruits and vegetables on a large plate. Transfer about 1/2 cup dressing to a small bowl, drizzle with honey and sprinkle desired nuts and/or seeds over (can be any/all/none). Transfer remaining dressing to a resealable container and chill for another use.
Do Ahead
Step 3
Dressing can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.

TagsSalad Dressing Salad Dip Sauce Thai Southeast Asian Asian Peanut Butter Tofu Starter Lunch Dinner Dairy Free Gluten Free Raw Vegetarian Quick Easy Meal Prep Blender Bon Appétit

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

31 Best Dip Recipes
I dip, you dip, we dip.
71 Vegetarian Dishes That Are Packed With Protein
Made with beans, tofu, and plenty of greens, these vegetarian recipes are full of good-for-you protein.
63 Work Lunches You Don't Have to Refrigerate
If you don't have an office fridge, it's okay. These lunch recipes travel well and can stay at room temperature all morning.
117 Vegetarian Recipes Perfect for Family Dinners
Loaded sweet potatoes, veggie-packed pizza and pasta, and plenty of protein-rich beans—these totally meatless recipes are easy to make and will keep your family full every night of the week.